Factors associated with committed participation in a wellness-walking program for people with lower limb loss: A prospective cohort study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to identify factors associated with committed participation in an amputee wellness-walking program and determine the benefits of committed participation.
Results Summary
Committed participants were more likely to diet, have better balance ability, and have more recent amputations than one-time-only participants. Balance confidence and functional improvements after three sessions were not significant.
Population
Amputees (average age 55.7 years, 68.4% men, 78.4% White, 51.8% with dysvascular amputations, 40.5% with prosthetic knees, 49.1% independent community walkers).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
3 sessions within 3 years for committed participants
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
amputee wellness-walking program | increase | committed participation | people with recent amputations | - | were more likely to | #1 |
amputee wellness-walking program | increase | committed participation | people with an interest in dieting | - | were more likely to | #2 |
amputee wellness-walking program | increase | committed participation | people with better balance ability | - | were more likely to | #3 |
amputee wellness-walking program | no change | balance confidence improvements | committed participants | - | were not significant | #4 |
amputee wellness-walking program | no change | functional improvements | committed participants | - | were not significant | #5 |
BACKGROUND:: Wellness activities can benefit health, yet committed adherence is challenging. OBJECTIVES:: Identify factors associated with committed participation in an amputee wellness-walking program and determine benefits of committed participation. STUDY DESIGN:: Prospective longitudinal cohort. METHODS:: Two former Paralympians led the wellness-walking sessions. Participants provided medical history and self-reported balance confidence and prosthetic functional measures. Physiotherapy professionals/paraprofessionals assessed balance and gait. Committed participants-those attending three sessions within 3 years-were compared to one-time-only participants using Fisher's exact and independent t-tests. First and third sessions for committed participants were compared with t-tests. A bootstrapped multivariable logistic regression model was developed using significant univariate predictors. RESULTS:: A total of 305 volunteers averaged 55.7 ± 15.2 years, including 68.4% men, 78.4% White race; 51.8% with dysvascular amputations, 40.5% with ⩾1 prosthetic knee; and 49.1% independent community walkers. Committed participants were initially similar to one-time-only participants ( p > 0.05) except for fewer years since amputation ( p = 0.007), better balance ability ( p = 0.001), and greater likelihood of dieting ( p = 0.030). The final model-balance ability (odds ratio = 2.4), dieting (odds ratio = 3.3), and years since amputation (odds ratio = 0.94)-identified 88.0% of committed participants ( p = 0.007). Balance confidence and functional improvements after three sessions were not significant ( p > 0.07). CONCLUSION:: Committed participants were more likely to diet, have better balance ability, and have more recent amputations than one-time-only participants. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowing which characteristics identify people most likely to become committed participants-such as people with recent amputations, an interest in dieting, and better balance ability-may help health practitioners from different professions promote consistent participation in wellness activities that may benefit self-reported function.